title: Biochemical integration of blood redox state in captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).
abstract: Integration is a property of biological systems that refers to the extent to which their components are correlated through functional, structural, developmental or evolutionary interdependency. This study examined patterns of functional integration among different molecular components of the blood redox system (both plasma and red blood cells) in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Our results show a two cluster organization of the six measured variables: one cluster includes glutathione peroxidase in both red blood cells and plasma, thiol concentration in red blood cells and plasma hydroperoxides; the other cluster comprises a measure of the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in red blood cells and plasma. The interaction network amongst these variables shows (i) a strong positive connectivity among hydroperoxides, glutathione peroxidase and thiols, and (ii) negative connectivity between non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. Overall, our results also suggest strong and significant integration between the oxidative state of red blood cells and plasma.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK. david.costantini@glasgow.ac.uk
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Costantini
authors.forename: Pat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Monaghan
authors.forename: Neil B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Metcalfe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D046369:Finches / Q000097:blood*; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase / Q000097:blood*; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010545:Peroxides / Q000097:blood*; D010949:Plasma / Q000378:metabolism; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D010545:Peroxides; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D005979:Glutathione Peroxidase